Truss system

ABSTRACT

A truss system for a building wherein the bracing members define a series of spaced apertures along their lengths, and the bracing members are connected together by inserting pins, or similar fastening means, through the apertures at the intersection of the braces. Horizontal and vertical bracing members have their apertures spaced at a standard distance, while the sloping bracing members have their apertures spaced at intervals according to the angle at which they are disposed so that the apertures of the angled members are positioned above the corresponding apertures of the horizontal members, and laterally of the corresponding apertures of the vertical members, corresponding to the formula C S . sec X, where C equals the spacing of the apertures in the angled members, S equals the standard distance between the apertures in the horizontal and vertical members, and X equals the angle at which the angled members are disposed with respect to the horizontal members.

D United States Patent 1191 1111 3,862,533 Fuss et al. Jan. 28, 1975 TRUSS SYSTEM [76] Inventors: James B. Fuss, College Park; John Primary Sutherland.

Faye, Chamblee both of Ga Attorney, Agent, or F1rm-Newton, Hopkins &

Ormsby [22] Filed: Apr. 9, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 349,415 57] ABSTRACT Related US. Application Data A truss system for abuilding wherein the bracing [63] Continuation of Ser. No. 136,228, April 21, 1971, members define a Series Of Spaced apertures along abandoned. their lengths, and the bracing members are connected together by inserting pins, or similar fastening means, [52] US. Cl 52/643, 52/650, 52/758 C through the apertures at the intersection of the braces. [51] Int. Cl. E04c 1/26 Horizontal and vertical bracing 'members have their [58] Field of Search 52/633, 639, 64], 693, apertures spaced at a standard distance, while the 52/695, 643, 650, 758 C sloping bracing members have their apertures spaced at intervals according to the angle at which they are [56] References Cited disposed so that the apertures of the angled members UNITED STATES'PATENTS are positioned above the corresponding apertures of 1,654,480 12/1927 Fuller 52/639 the h9rizmal members and literally the 2,044,700 6/1936 Jones 287/51 spondfng apertures of the vemcal members 2,152,189 3/1939 Henderson 52/693 spomimg to the formula C 5 X, Where C equals 2 4 1 7 2 2 1949 52 5 the spacing of the apertures in the angled members, S 3,031,727 5/1962 Nesbitt 52/639 equals the standard distance between the apertures in FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 594,378 3/1960 Canada 52/633 209,254 l/1956 Australia.... 52/633 645,908 7/1964 Belgium'..... 52/633 1,297,871 5/1962 France 52/633 the horizontal and vertical members, and X equals the angle at which the angled members are disposed with respect to the horizontal members.

2 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures TRUSS SYSTEM This is a continuation, of application Ser. No. 136,228, filed Apr. 21, 1971.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the construction of buildings, it has become common practice to prefabricate many portions of the building before transporting the building materials to the building site. This procedure is beneficial since the builder constructing the prefabricated portion of the building may have access to a large and varied supply of building materials relating to the prefabricated portion of the building, and similar prefabricated portions may be constructed at a central location for various building sites. The builder of the prefabricated portions becomes an expert in his specialized field, which enables him to provide prefabricated structures at a reduced cost. The general contractor at a building site is able to order prefabricated portions of his building from an available stock pile, thus avoiding the delay and expense of on-site construction and the employment of labor skilled in this particular type construction.

While this system has met with some success in prefabrication of truss systems for buildings, the shape of a building truss is usually unwieldy and cumbersome so that it is hard toload, transport and assemble with the remaining portions of the building at the building site.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention comprises a truss system for buildings which includes a plurality of basic bracing members defining pre-punched apertures at equally spaced intervals along their lengths. The horizontally and vertically disposed bracing members define apertures spaced apart a basic dimension, such as two inches, while the angled members define a series of apertures equally spaced along their lengths at distances slightly greater than that between the apertures of the horizontally and vertically disposed members so that the apertures of the angled members are positioned above corresponding apertures in the horizontal members and laterally of the corresponding apertures of the vertical members. The spacing of the apertures defined in the angled members corresponds to the standard distance times the secant of the angle the angled members define with the horizontal members. With this arrangement, the spaces between the apertures of the horizontally and vertically disposed members will always be the standard spacing, for instance, 2-inch spaces, and the distance between the apertures of the angled members disposed at 45 will always be equal to the square root of two times the standard spacing, or the square root of two times 2 inches. The apertures defined in the angled roof supporting beams will be spaced apart a distance greater than the standard spacing, depending upon the angle of the roof, so that they are positioned vertically of the apertures of the horizontally disposed beams, and laterally of the apertures of the vertically disposed beams. For instance, in the case of a roof having a pitch of 1 foot in elevation for every 2 feet lateral distance, the distance between apertures of the roof beams would be the square root of five times the standard distance, or the square root of five times 2 inches in the case of a 2-inch standard distance between apertures.

The beams of the truss system are connected together by conventional connecting pins which extend through mated apertures, and rigid plates defining a plurality of apertures at spaced intervals corresponding to the intervals between the apertures of the roof beams are positioned at the apex of the roof beams.

Connecting pins are inserted through the mated apertures of the rigid plate and the roof beams so that the rigid plate is rigidly connected to the roof beams.

Thus, it is an object of this invention to provide a truss system with a self-dimensioning grid system wherein the members of a truss may be rapidly assembled with one another.

Another object of this invention is to provide a truss system wherein the components thereof may be accurately assembled with one another without accurately cutting or otherwise precisely dimensioning the lengths of the components.

Another object of this invention is to provide a selfdimensioning truss system that may be transported to the building site and expediently assembled at the building site.

Another object of this invention is to provide a system for constructing various truss structures wherein certain components are usable with various different truss systems.

Another object of this invention is to provide an economical system for erecting building trusses.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a partial side elevational view of a truss system for a building.

FIG. 2 is an end cross-sectional view of the roof beam of the truss system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a strut, bridging clip, and bridging of the truss system.

FIG. 4 is a partial schematic side elevational view of the truss system with a l to 2 rise to run ratio.

FIG. 5 is a partial schematic side elevational view of a truss system similar to FIG. 4, but having a rise to run ratio of 1 to .3.

FIG. 6 is a partial schematic side elevational view of a truss system, similar to FIGS. 4 and 5, but having a rise to run ratio of l to 4.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS As is best shown in FIG. 1, the truss system 10, which comprises one of a plurality of such systems spaced apart in a building, comprises a horizontal cord or beam 11 supported near its ends by laterally extending support 12. Vertical bracings or uprights 14 extend upwardly from horizontal beam 11 and angled bracing or struts 15 extend upwardly, at 45, from horizontal beam 11. Top cords or roof beams 16 are connected to the upper ends of uprights l4 and angled struts 15. Roof beams 16 are disposed at an angle, in the usual manner, and roof boards and roofing material (not shown) can be attached thereto.

Roof beams 16 are connected at their lower ends 18 to the ends of horizontal beam 11 by means of gusset plates 19. Roof beams 16 are connected to each other at their upper ends by means of ridge plates 20. In this manner, a rigid, triangular structure is formed which includes supplementary support to the middle of the roof beams 16, as provided by angled struts 15.

The various beams of the truss system define apertures at spaced intervals along their lengths to facilitate attachment of the beams to one another and to gusset plates 19 and ridge plates 20. Conventional connecting pins or bolts 21 extend through mated apertures 22.

The distances between apertures of the various beams of the truss system are standardized so that the beams are integrated in a system of assembly which facilitates rapid connection to one another. For instance, the horizontal beam 11 and vertical uprights 14 have their apertures spaced at a standard distance, while angled struts l5 and roof beams 16 have their apertures spaced apart a distance so that they are disposed above corresponding apertures of the horizontal beam 11 or laterally of corresponding apertures of uprights 14. The spacing of the apertures defined in the angled struts l5 and roof beams 16 corresponds to the formula C S isec X, wherein C equals the spacing of the apertures defined in the angled members, S equals the standard distance between the apertures defined in the horizontal beam 11 and uprights l4, and X equals the angle at which the angled struts or roof beams 16 are disposed with respect to the horizontal beams 11. Thus, in the case of angled struts 15 which are disposed at 45 angles with horizontal beams 11, the distance between the apertures therein is the standard distance times the square root of 2, while a roof beam having a rise to run ratio of l to 3 will have its apertures spaced at the standard distance times the square root of 10.

In some instances, it is desirable to vary the rise to run ratio so that the roof beam 16 can be disposed at various different angles. For instance, it may be desirable to have rise to run ratios of 1 to 2, l, to 3, or I to 4. These various ratios are illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6. While the standard distance between the apertures of the horizontal beams 11 and uprights 14 will remain the same, and while the spacing of the apertures of the angled struts 15 will remain the square root of 2 times the standard distance of spacing, the spacing of the apertures in the roof beam 16 will vary in accordance with the rise to run ratio. For instance, in a l to 2 rise to run ratio, the distance between the apertures of roof beam 16 will be V5 times the standard distance; in a 1 to 3 rise to run ratio, the distance between the apertures of the roof beam 16 will be the m times the standard distance; and with l to 4 rise to run ratio, the distance between the apertures of the roof beam 16 will be V17 times the standard distance.

Since the apertures 22 of roof beam 16 must mate with the apertures of gusset plate 19 and ridge plate 20, the apertures of these plates must be spaced apart a distance corresponding to the spacing between the apertures of roof beam 16. Also, gusset plate 19 and ridge plate 20 must correspond in shape to the rise to run ratio of the roof construction; that is, the upper edge 24 of gusset plate 19 and the upper edges 25 of ridge plate 20 must have a rise to run ratio corresponding to the rise to run ratio of roof beam 16. Also, apertures 26 along the upper edge 24 of gusset plate 19 and apertures 27 of ridge plate 20 must be in alignment with the rise to run ratio.

In one embodiment of the invention, the standard distance or spacing between apertures 22 of the horizontal beam 11 and uprights 14 was set at 2 inches; that is, the distances between the apertures defined in the horizontal beam 11 was set at 2 inches, while the distances between the apertures defined in the uprights 14 was also set at 2 inches. With this standard distance, the angled struts 15, being disposed at an angle of 45 with respect to horizontal beam 11, were apertures at the standard distance times the square root of 2, or at distance of 2 inches times the square root of 2, or 2.828 inches. Roof beams 16 have their apertures spaced at distances corresponding to their rise to run ratio, as follows:

1 to 2 rise to run ratio:

1 to 3 rise to run ratio W6 X 2 inches 1 to 4 rise to run ratio: l 7 X 2 inches As previously stated, gusset plates 19 and ridge plates 20 were apertured in accordance with the rise to run ratio of roof beam 16.

As is schematically shown in FIGS. 4-6, apertures 22 of roof beams 16 are positioned directly above apertures 22 of horizontal beam 11, and horizontally or apertures 22 of uprights 14. With a l to 2 rise to run ratio as shown in FIG. 4, uprights 14 can be positioned in every other aperture 22 of horizontal beam II and corresponding apertures of roof beam 16, as indicated by the vertically extending dashed lines. Apertures 28 of roof beams 16 and horizontal beams 11 to which uprights 14 can be connected are circled. It should be noted that uprights 14 are not connectable to the apertures of roof beams 16 and horizontal beams II disposed intermediate apertures 28 without changing the rise to run ratio of roof beam 16, since these intermediate apertures would be positioned between the adjacent apertures of upright 14.

With a rise to run ratio of l to 3, as shown in FIG. 5, uprights 14 can be connected to apertures 28, or every third aperture of roof beam 16 and corresponding apertures of horizontal beam 11 as indicated by the vertically extending dashed lines. Apertures 28 of roof beams 16 and horizontal beams II to which uprights I4 can be connected are circled. With a rise to run ratio of l to 4, as shown in FIG. 6, uprights I4 can be connected to every fourth aperture 28 of horizontal beams 11 and roof beams 16 as indicated by the vertically extending dashed lines. Apertures 28 of roof beams 16 and horizontal beams 11 to which uprights 14 can be connected are circled. As in the truss system with a l to 2 rise to run ratio, the uprights 14 of FIGS. 5 and 6 cannot be connected to the apertures intermediate apertures 28 without changing the rise to run ratio, since these apertures on roof beam 16 are spaced intermediate the adjacent apertures of uprights 14.

In the instance of a l to 2 rise to run ratio, angled struts 15, being disposed at an angle of 45 with respect to horizontal beams 11, are connectable to every apertures 29 of horizontal beam 11 and alternate apertures 39 of roof beams 16, as indicated by angled dashed lines, and as indicated by X-marks over the apertures. In the instance ofa 1 to 3 rise to run ratio, angled struts 15 are connectable to every other aperture 29 of horizontal beam 11 and every third aperture 29 of roof beam 16, as indicated by angled dashed lines. and as indicated by X-marks over these apertures. In the instance of a l to 4 rise to run ratio, as shown in FIG. 6, angled struts 15 are connectable to every third aperture 29 of horizontal beam 11 and every fourth aperture 29 of roof beam 16, as indicated by angled dashed lines, and by X-marks over these apertures.

32 are located in vertical alignment with apertures 31,

and the vertical spacing between corresponding apertures 31 and 32 must correspond to the rise to run ratio of roof beam 16. For instance, with a l to 2 rise to run ratio, the vertical spacing between apertures 32 and 31 would be one-half the standard distance, or 1 inch in the case of a 2-inch standard distance. In the instance of a l to 3 rise to run ratio, the vertical distance between apertures 32 and 31 would be two-thirds times the standard distance, or in the instance of a 2-inch standard distance, 1 and Va inches. In the case ofa l to 4 rise to run ratio, the vertical distance between apertures 32 and 31 would be three fourths times the standard distance, which would be I and V2 inches for a 2- inch standard distance. The distance between apertures 31 and 32 of ridge plate 20 may be doubled or quadrupled, or several rows of apertures may be utilized.

Bridging clips 34 are provided to hold the individual truss systems in vertical disposition. Bridging clips 34 each comprise a U-shaped base 35, holding tab 36, and connecting tab 38. U-shaped base 35 comprises base portion 39, and leg portions 40 and 41. Holding tab 36 is coextensive with leg portion 41, and defines slot 42 therein. Connection tab 38 extends from the upper portion of leg portion 40 of U-shaped base 35 at an angle substantially normal thereto. Connecting tab 38 defines an aperture disposed centrally thereof. Bridging clips 34 are arranged to slide over angled struts so that their leg portions 40 and 41 engage the side surfaces of angled struts 15 and their base portions 39 engage the bottom surfaces of angled struts l5. Holding tabs 36 will project above angled struts 15, while connecting tabs 38 extend at an angle away from angled struts 15, and form a surface which is substantially coextensive with the upper surfaces of angled struts 15.

Bridging clips 34 are connected to corresponding beams of the truss system at corresponding positions; for instance, to the midpoint of angled struts 15, as shown in FIG. 1. Bridging bars 45 are wedged into slots 42 of holding tabs 36, so that holding tabs 36 wedge bridging bar 45 against the upper surfaces of angled struts l5. Bridging bars 45 are generally U-shaped in cross section and define an open slot 46 along their lengths. When a bridging bar 45 is connected to a series of bridging clips 34, the slot 46 is positioned so that it engages the upper surfaces of angled struts l5, and the wedging effect of holding tabs 36 is such that the bridging bar 45 engages the upper surfaces of angled struts 15 with considerable frictional force. Threaded screws 48 are inserted through the apertures defined in the a connecting tabs 38 of bridgingclips 34 through slot 46 of b ridging bar 45, and through the upper surface of materials, and L flange 52 provides adequate strength characteristics to the beam. Since L flange 52 extends only from one side of web 50, the opposite side of web 50 is unencumbered and suitable for the connection of uprights l4, struts 15, gusset plates 19 or ridge plates 20. Horizontal beams 11 may be similar in cross sectional configuration to roof beams 16 but used in an inverted position. As is shown in FIG. 3, uprights l4 and struts 15 are C-shaped in cross sectional configuration and comprise base portion 54 and leg portions 55 and 56. Leg portions 55 and 56 provide rigidity to the beams, while flattened base portion 54 provides a working surface to which the remaining elements of the truss system may be attached.

INSTALLATION When planning a building, the builder merely decides the roof line rise to run ratio and procures the necessary materials. Since the horizontal beams 11, uprights 14 and angled struts 15 are of standard configuration for all rise to run ratios, these elements may be ordered independently of the remaining elements of the truss system. The roof beams 16, gusset plates 19 and ridge plates 20 must be specifically ordered so that they correspond to the rise to run ratio of the roof line.

When the roof structure is ready for installation, horizontal beams 11 are put in proper position on the laterally extending supports 12 and the remaining elements of the system connected together. Since the beams of the truss system are connected to each other by means of their pre-cut apertures, the length at which the beams are cut will not affect the construction of the truss system. For instance, the beams may be cut substantially at any point between adjacent apertures, and the endmost aperture of the beam to be inserted in the system is connected to its adjacent structure. The builder merely counts the number of apertures necessary to space the elements apart, and cuts the beam intermediate the next adjacent aperture. Since the elements are spaced apart according to the number of apertures in the beam, as opposed to the actual length of the beam, the actual length of the beam in inconsequential.

When uprights 14 and angled struts 15 are connected between horizontal beams 11 and roof beams 16, the base 54 of the C-shaped uprights l4 and struts 15 are placed against the web portion 50 of the roof beams 16 and horizontal beams 11, on the sides away from the L-shaped flange 52. Also, gusset plates 19 and ridge plates 20 are connected to roof beams 16 and horizontal beams 11 on the sides thereof away from L-shaped flange 52. The precise dimensions of the truss system can be determined by merely counting the apertures in the various components of the structure as the structure is assembled, In this manner, the truss system will be precisely dimensioned in spite of the fact that some of its components may be irregularly cut or dimensioned.

While the particular shape of horizontal beams 11, uprights l4, angled struts l5 and roof beams 16 have been illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, it should be understood that beams of various other configurations might be utilized as horizontal beams 11 or roof beams 16. The only critical factor concerning any of the beams of the truss system is that the beams must be adaptable to connection to each other. Furthermore, while the truss system has commonly been fabricated of aluminum beams, it is anticipated that steel beams or wooden beams, or beams of various other materials and shapes can be successfully utilized. Thus, it is submitted that the scope of this invention should not be limited to the particular materials disclosed herein.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that many variations may be made in the embodiments chosen for the purpose of illustrating the present invention without departing from the scope thereof as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a truss system for use in a building construction comprising, in combination:

a. a first support beam defining a plurality of apertures equally spaced a first predetermined distance along its length;

b. a second support beam extending at an angle from said first support beam and defining a plurality of apertures equally spaced a second predetermined distance along its length;

c. a third support beam extending between said first support beam and said second support beam and defining a plurality of apertures equally spaced a third predetermined distance along its length; and

d. a connecting means extending through mated apertures at the intersection of said beams for forming said beams into an assembled building truss, said space between openings in each of said support beams detailed such that said openings in said second and third support beams are aligned with each other and aligned with a line drawn perpendicular to said first support beam and through an opening in said first support beam when said three support beams are connected in said assembled relationship, and wherein a line drawn at right angles to said line extending between the aligned openings in said first, second and third support beams and passing through an opening in said second support beam will also pass through an opening in said third support beam, said truss system including means for connecting an assembled truss to an adjacent assembled truss comprising a U-shaped bridging clamp including a base portion and leg portions, a hold tab co-extensive with one of said leg portions and defining a slot therein, a centrally apertured connecting tab extending at an angle of substantially ninety degrees from the other of said leg portion, a bridging bar wedged into said slot of the holding tab, and connecting means extending through the aperture of said connecting tab into said bridging bar whereby the two adjacent assembled trusses are secured together in a predetermined fixed position. 2. In a truss system as described in claim 1 further characterized in that said bridge bar defines a slot extending along the length thereof.

Patent No.

E4, 862 ,533 Dated anuary 28, 1975 James B. Fuss and John S. Frye Inventor(s It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Inventors: James B. Puss, College Park;

John Frye, Chamblee, both of Georgia Signed and sealed this 2 4th day of June 1975.

'3 EAL) Fat C. G S t 2 C 1' LKRSE'IALL DANN EUTZT C. MASON Commissioner of Patents attesting; Officer and Trademarks FORM Po-1050 (10-69) USCOMM-DC 60376-P69 U5. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE I989 O-366-334, 

1. In a truss system for use in a building construction comprising, in combination: a. a first support beam defining a plurality of apertures equally spaced a first predetermined distance along its length; b. a second support beam extending at an angle from said first support beam and defining a plurality of apertures equally spaced a second predetermined distance along its length; c. a third support beam extending between said first support beam and said second support beam and defining a plurality of apertures equally spaced a third predetermined distance along its length; and d. a connecting means extending through mated apertures at the intersection of said beams for forming said beams into an assembled building truss, said space between openings in each of said support beams detailed suCh that said openings in said second and third support beams are aligned with each other and aligned with a line drawn perpendicular to said first support beam and through an opening in said first support beam when said three support beams are connected in said assembled relationship, and wherein a line drawn at right angles to said line extending between the aligned openings in said first, second and third support beams and passing through an opening in said second support beam will also pass through an opening in said third support beam, said truss system including means for connecting an assembled truss to an adjacent assembled truss comprising a U-shaped bridging clamp including a base portion and leg portions, a hold tab co-extensive with one of said leg portions and defining a slot therein, a centrally apertured connecting tab extending at an angle of substantially ninety degrees from the other of said leg portion, a bridging bar wedged into said slot of the holding tab, and connecting means extending through the aperture of said connecting tab into said bridging bar whereby the two adjacent assembled trusses are secured together in a predetermined fixed position.
 2. In a truss system as described in claim 1 further characterized in that said bridge bar defines a slot extending along the length thereof. 